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Cutaneous infiltration in T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia
R B Mallett1, E Matutes, D Catovsky
1Department of Dermatology, St Helier NHS Trust, Carshalton, Surrey, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T-PLL) often presents with skin involvement. Early skin biopsies can aid in diagnosing this aggressive mature T-cell malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T-PLL) is a rare and aggressive mature T-cell malignancy.
- Cutaneous involvement is a recognized, though not fully characterized, manifestation of T-PLL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and histological features of skin involvement in T-PLL patients.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of early skin biopsies in T-PLL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data and skin biopsy histology from 92 T-PLL patients.
- Detailed description of presenting skin manifestations and histopathological findings.
Main Results:
- Twenty-six percent (28%) of patients had cutaneous involvement, with most cases diagnosed at leukemia onset.
- Common skin manifestations included erythema, localized infiltration (face/ears), nodules, and erythroderma.
- Histology revealed dermal infiltrates of prolymphocytes, typically perivascular and periappendageal.
Conclusions:
- Cutaneous involvement is a significant feature in a substantial proportion of T-PLL cases.
- Skin manifestations can precede or coincide with the diagnosis of T-PLL.
- Early skin biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying T-PLL.